Out & About|| Matilda the Musical

My birthday this year has been full of surprises! Alex and I have done experiences over presents for birthdays for a while, as we love trying or seeing new things, and there’s not many seriously awesome presents you can really think of when you’ve been together so long – all the good ideas got used up a year or so ago haha. Well my sister followed suit this year, and with her surprise for me on a weekend in the middle of Alex’s two surprises, my birthday truly went on for a few weeks! A little spoilt but I like to drag out the celebrations.

Alex’s first surprise, seeing The Weeknd from the box, was awesome (read all about it here) and Emma’s brunch and afternoon at Escape Room was amazing too (you can read about those here and here). So honestly, I didn’t know how Alex was going to top it. But he came extremely close.

The Wednesday before my birthday, after a quick meal at Wagamama (I’ve truly converted Alex on the ramen front), Alex tried to confuse me as to where we were going, knowing that I knew the Covent Garden area, before stopping still outside the Cambridge theatre where Matilda is being shown! I think I did a tiny little, almost silent, scream of delight as I’d wanted to see the musical for so long!

Ready to head up the stairs to the circle seats, Alex redirected me towards the stalls, to find our seats halfway towards the front! The seats were insane. So close, and right on the edge of the action – oh I do love a seat in the stalls. You experience so much more right up close, and even almost feel part of the play. Ok I get that it is lots more expensive, but sometimes it’s totally worth it!

We sat in awe at the set, finding all the words in the blocks on the outer edge of the stage, before the musical started – such a creative outer set, playing on the school aspect and love of books.

Now I always feel full of adrenaline watching a production at the theatre. Jealous of the skills, the incredible acting, singing and dancing, I always come away feeling like I want to do it myself, only knowing too well that I’d never make it in such a career. And this was no exception.

Image from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/, the official Matilda the Musical website

The younger actors and actresses were all amazing. Right on character, I couldn’t believe that all remembered their lines and dance moves for the whole musical. Full of energy, they shone the whole way through. Matilda in particular, was another level – so young yet so powerful. Mr Wormwood was another fave, being an absolutely hilarious character with a fab voice and persona, he gave his parts of the play such personality.

Image from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/, the official Matilda the Musical website

The set was fab too. With each scene change smooth and almost unnoticeable, and each set different yet really creative and well thought out. Alex’s fave set and scene the one at the school gates at the beginning when they’re singing to the alphabet – so much thought and creativity in one set and scene.

Image from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/, the official Matilda the Musical website

The story itself, I had to separate in my mind slightly from the film, but I think that’s almost the same as if you read a book and watch the film – some of the story was condensed, some changed slightly, but overall a fantastic adaptation of the story!

Image from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/, the official Matilda the Musical website

I did miss the song Send me on my way, which I love in the film, but the soundtrack, although not quite as memorable as other musicals, was fab, with funny and well thought out lyrics and catchy tunes – I was still humming the main tune when I was on my way home on the tube.

Image from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/, the official Matilda the Musical website

I really recommend seeing it if you get the chance. I love the theatre, and this was one of those unforgettable performances you’ll always remember! And that’s coming from a fan of the film who used to watch it countless times and try to move things with her own eyes. Ok don’t laugh.

Image from http://uk.matildathemusical.com/, the official Matilda the Musical website

With tickets starting from about £20 for upper circle, it’s not too bad for an evening out!

Have you been to see any musicals recently?

Chloe xx

P.s Images stated are taken from the official Matilda the Musical website – uk.matildathemusical.com. You’re not allowed to take any photos during the performance, hence why I don’t have my own. For more reviews, visit the boxoffice.co.uk website.